Weller Special Reserve Bourbon is one of the most beloved expressions from the famed Buffalo Trace Distillery. A cornerstone of the W.L. Weller lineup and the bourbon that inspired the legendary Pappy Van Winkle series. Known for its soft, sweet profile and velvety smoothness, Weller Special Reserve is often called the Original Wheated Bourbon, offering remarkable quality at an approachable price point.

Every bottle of Weller Special Reserve embodies the craftsmanship and tradition that has defined Buffalo Trace for centuries. Unlike traditional bourbons that use rye as a secondary grain, Weller uses wheat, creating a sweeter, rounder, and smoother flavor profile that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned bourbon enthusiasts.

Tasting Notes & Flavor Profile

On the nose, Weller Special Reserve opens with warm aromas of honey, caramel, and soft vanilla, followed by delicate hints of oak and almond. The first sip delivers rich flavors of toffee, baked apples, and brown sugar, layered with the gentle warmth of aged oak. Its wheated mash bill gives the bourbon a buttery, creamy texture, offering balance and complexity without excessive spice or heat.

The finish is long and mellow, with lingering notes of honey, vanilla bean, and light tobacco. Each pour is perfectly smooth. A testament to Buffalo Trace’s mastery of distilling and aging.

🕰️ Heritage & Craftsmanship

The W.L. Weller brand dates back to the 1800s, founded by William Larue Weller, a pioneer in using wheat instead of rye in bourbon production. His innovation set a new standard in whiskey making. One that later influenced Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle, his protégé. The result? A lineage that includes some of the world’s most sought-after bourbons.

Weller Special Reserve continues that tradition today, produced in small batches at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, where craftsmanship meets heritage in every bottle. The bourbon is aged for approximately 7 years, allowing the wheat to develop soft caramel sweetness and deep oak undertones.

🏆 Why Weller Special Reserve Stands Out

• Wheated Mash Bill: Produces a smoother, sweeter bourbon with buttery notes.

• Authentic Buffalo Trace Heritage: Made in the same distillery as Pappy Van Winkle.

• Value & Quality: Offers exceptional flavor and pedigree at a fraction of the cost of older Weller and Van Winkle bottles.

• Collector Appeal: A highly regarded bottle in the Weller family, often sold out at major retailers.

🍸 Perfect For

• Neat or on the rocks sipping.

• Craft cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan with a softer profile.

• Bourbon tastings and whiskey collections.

• Gift giving for bourbon lovers who appreciate true Kentucky craftsmanship.

💡 Tasting Tip

Allow your pour to rest for a few minutes before sipping. This lets the vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak fully express themselves, delivering a warm, balanced experience that’s pure Kentucky comfort.

📊 Specification Table

• Weller 12 Year Bourbon

• Weller Antique 107

• Buy Weller Full Proof

• CYPB Limited Edition

Buffalo Trace Distillery shares more light on this product.